In my opinion, what makes a restaurant romantic is the mood lighting, vibey background music and drool-worthy food. It doesn't even need to be fancy, just nice enough so I can dress up a bit.
I've lived in the city for 10 years and have tried some of the best restaurants in Toronto, and I believe these are the most romantic spots in the city that would impress your date in a heartbeat.
Here are nine Toronto restaurants perfect for a romantic Valentine's Day date.
Osteria Giulia
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Address: 134 Avenue Rd., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: Italian
Why You Need To Go: If you want to splurge on a delicious Italian meal that will get you talking, then Osteria Guilia is the way to go.
Osteria Giulia is a Michelin-starred restaurant in Toronto with pasta dishes that might just be one of the best and most unique things I've ever tried.
Although usually packed with patrons, the restaurant is quiet and moves swiftly.
Michelin-starred restaurants are pricey, but the experience is worth every dollar, and if you want to try something new and have the funds for it, I couldn't suggest this more.
Osteria Giulia Menu
J's Steak Frites
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Address: 1198 Queen St. W., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: French
Why You Need To Go: This restaurant is so simple, which is why I absolutely love it. The menu consists of steak and fries and that's pretty much it.
J's Steak Frites is dimly lit with a vibe that will transport you to Paris, and it's so romantic.
J's Steak Frites Menu
Daphne
@narcitytorontoNarcity’s Mira Nabulsi checked out Daphne in Toronto’s Financial District, a new upscale restaurant serving modern twists on classic American dishes. 🍽️ Mira tried a number of items on the menu, including a roasted bone marrow that she says left her “shook.” An outing at Daphne may not come cheap depending on what you order, but we think it’s a luxurious dining experience worth trying at least once. Have you been to Daphne? Let us know in the comments!
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 67 Richmond St. W., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: Modern American
Why You Need To Go: Daphne only just opened last summer, but I haven't stopped talking about it since. They have one of the best bone marrow dishes I've ever had, and their restaurant decor is not to be missed. The effort put into every corner of the Toronto restaurant is so beautifully done that you can't help but stop and admire it.
They also have various dining rooms and a hidden bar, which is a great way to keep the date going because you can finish dinner and head to the bar for delicious cocktails.
Daphne Menu
Azhar
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 96 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Why You Need To Go: Azhar is a Middle Eastern-inspired restaurant that's tucked away on Ossington Avenue, and it's one of my favourite spots on the strip.
The food is flavourful and diverse, making for a good evening. Some of my go-tos are the baba ghanoush, garlic potatoes and lamb shoulder.
Also, the pita is so fluffy and fresh — it's delicious.
Azhar Menu
Piano Piano
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: Various locations
Cuisine: Italian
Why You Need To Go: Classic Italian food is as comforting as it is delicious. At Piano Piano, not only can you get one of the best, fluffiest pizzas in the city, but the vibes are so date-like it'll make for a perfect Valentine's Day.
Everything in this restaurant is so adorable, and you probably won't be able to resist snapping pictures of your date while you're there.
Piano Piano Menu
Bar Koukla
Price: 💸💸
Address: 88 Ossington Ave., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: Greek
Why You Need To Go: Greek food is one of my favourite cuisines, and if you enjoy the flavours of the Mediterranean country but don't feel like simply getting souvlaki, then Bar Koukla is an excellent option.
The restaurant is small and intimate with a charm that no other restaurant on Ossington has, so, in my opinion, this is a great Valentine's Day date night spot in Toronto.
Bar Koukla Menu
Abrielle
@miranabulsiI checked out Toronto‘s newest Mediterranean restaurant, #abrielletoronto, and I haven’t been this amazing by food in quite a while. #abrielle #abrielletoronto #newrestaurant #newrestaurantalert #newrestauranttoronto #torontofoodie #torontofood #torontorestaurant #besttorontorestaurnt #fyp
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Address: 355 King St. W., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Why You Need To Go: This Toronto restaurant is new, having only opened at the end of 2023, but it's already on my list of favourites and should be on yours too.
Abrielle is so cute and vibey. It would make for the perfect date spot, especially if you're looking for an escape from the city, because it'll transport you to Europe in a heartbeat.
The food is so flavourful and mouthwatering. If you go, you should definitely get the burrata, the lamb chops and the Ontario heirloom carrots. So yummy!
Abrielle Menu
Maison Selby
@natdoumkosA toronto date night restaurant in a HISTORIC home 😍 #toronto #torontolife #torontowassup #torontotok #torontolifestyle #torontoinfluencer #thingstodointoronto #torontofoodspots #foodietoronto #torontofoodie #torontodates #torontodatenight
Price: 💸💸💸
Address: 592 Sherbourne St., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: French
Why You Need To Go: French onion soup, beef tartare, boeuf bourguignon, moules frites and steak frites are all things you can spot on Maison Selby's menu — and I can tell you they are so delicious.
I have always loved this spot because the food is so good and worth the cost.
Also, the decor is so unique. The restaurant is located inside the historic C.H. Gooderham House and is steeped in character and history.
Downstairs is a speakeasy called Sous Sol, which has a cocktail bar with a carefully curated menu of original cocktails.
Maison Selby Menu
Sara
Price: 💸💸💸💸
Address: 98 Portland St., Toronto, ON
Cuisine: International
Why You Need To Go: Sara offers a unique dining experience because they encourage being disconnected and focusing on what matters: the food.
They have a menu that changes often and uses ingredients from that season. The restaurant is intimate but airy. It has a modern-day design with minimalist decor.
Sara Menu
Courtesy of Panago Pizza
